TECH NEWS – Nvidia has already released its lowest-end Blackwell GPU in China, but desktop users will have to wait a bit longer for their turn.

Nvidia has lifted the embargo on the GeForce RTX 5050 laptop GPU in China. The chip, labeled GB207, features 2,560 CUDA cores and 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM. The shader count matches that of the upcoming desktop version, so performance may be somewhat comparable—especially since other specs are identical. Earlier rumors suggested Nvidia would cut costs by using GDDR6 in the desktop version, but this move raises the possibility that it too might use GDDR7.

The memory interface is 128-bit, offering 384 GB/s of bandwidth—matching the RTX 5060 Laptop. The GB207 chip is rated at 115W TDP (identical to the RTX 5060 Laptop), despite previous leaks hinting at 100W. In benchmarks, the RTX 5050 Laptop outperforms the RTX 4050. For example, in Time Spy, it scores 10,269 points—around 9% faster than the 4050 and 18% slower than the 5060. In Fire Strike Extreme and Port Royal, it falls about 19% and 18% behind the 5060, respectively—but in the latter test, it’s 27% faster than the 4050, showing a solid generational jump.

RTX 5050 Laptophttps://t.co/mhNZcFltat pic.twitter.com/fNz45lunGM

— 포시포시 (@harukaze5719) June 24, 2025

The desktop GeForce RTX 5050 was initially expected to launch later in July, but leaker MEGAsizeGPU now reports a new July 1 release date. However, the launch may be largely symbolic, as no AIB partner will have stock ready to ship on that day. Real-world availability could still align with the original mid- or late-July schedule.

Targeted at the entry-level market, the desktop RTX 5050 will be priced between $200 and $250—just below the $300 RTX 5060. It’s set to compete with Intel’s Arc B580 12 GB and B570 10 GB GPUs, which sell for $220 and $250, respectively. Like the laptop version, the card will feature the GB207 GPU with 2,560 CUDA cores—matching the old RTX 3050 but now based on the new Blackwell architecture. It will use the PG152-SKU50 PCB, and the desktop variant is expected to ship with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 128-bit bus. Reports suggest the use of 20 Gbps memory modules, yielding a total bandwidth of 320 GB/s.

NVIDIA suddenly informed all AIC that the desktop RTX 5050’s launch date has been rescheduled to July 1st. The former launch date was the end of July. IDK why Nvidia made this award decision since no card can be shipped on July 1st.

— MEGAsizeGPU (@Zed__Wang) June 24, 2025

No Founders Edition model will be produced. Most reference designs will likely implement a five-phase VRM layout. It remains to be seen how the market will react to another 8 GB entry-level offering in this segment.

Source: WCCFTech, WCCFTech, Weibo